Leviticus 8:31

And Moses said to Aaron and his sons, "Boil the meat at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and eat it there with the bread that is in the basket of ordination offerings, as I commanded, saying, 'Aaron and his sons are to eat it.'

Study Bible

And Moses said to Aaron and his sons
This phrase highlights the leadership role of Moses as the mediator between God and the Israelites. Moses, as the prophet and leader, is instructing Aaron and his sons, who are being consecrated as priests. This reflects the hierarchical structure established by God, where Moses acts as the intermediary to communicate divine instructions. The priesthood of Aaron and his sons is a type of the priesthood of Christ, who is our ultimate High Priest.

Boil the meat at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting
The Tent of Meeting, also known as the Tabernacle, was the central place of worship and the dwelling place of God's presence among the Israelites. Boiling the meat at the entrance signifies the sanctity and communal aspect of the ordination ceremony. The act of boiling, rather than roasting, may symbolize purification and preparation. This location underscores the importance of the Tabernacle as the focal point of Israelite worship and the presence of God.

and eat it there with the bread that is in the basket of ordination offerings
Eating the meat and bread at the Tabernacle signifies participation in the holy offerings and the acceptance of the priestly role. The bread in the basket of ordination offerings is part of the ritual that sets apart Aaron and his sons for service. This meal is a covenantal act, similar to the fellowship offerings, and foreshadows the Last Supper, where Jesus institutes the New Covenant.

as I commanded, saying, ‘Aaron and his sons are to eat it.’
This command emphasizes obedience to God's instructions as delivered through Moses. The consumption of the offerings by Aaron and his sons is a necessary part of their consecration, symbolizing their full dedication to God’s service. It reflects the importance of following divine commands precisely, a theme prevalent throughout Leviticus. This obedience is a precursor to the perfect obedience of Christ, who fulfills the law and the prophets.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites and God's chosen prophet who is responsible for conveying God's laws and instructions to the people.

2. Aaron
The brother of Moses, appointed as the first high priest of Israel, representing the people before God.

3. Aaron's Sons
The descendants of Aaron who are also appointed as priests, serving alongside their father in the priestly duties.

4. Tent of Meeting
The sacred place where God met with Moses and the priests, serving as the center of worship and sacrifice for the Israelites.

5. Ordination Offerings
Sacrifices made during the consecration of Aaron and his sons, symbolizing their dedication and sanctification for priestly service.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Commands
The detailed instructions given to Moses, Aaron, and his sons highlight the importance of obedience in worship and service to God. As believers, we are called to follow God's Word with precision and reverence.

The Role of the Priesthood
Aaron and his sons' ordination signifies the importance of the priestly role in mediating between God and the people. Today, believers are called to be a "royal priesthood," serving God and others with dedication.

Sacredness of Worship
The act of eating the ordination offerings at the Tent of Meeting underscores the sacredness of worship and the need to approach God with respect and holiness.

Community and Fellowship
The communal aspect of eating the offerings together signifies the importance of fellowship among believers, encouraging unity and shared purpose in serving God.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the ordination of Aaron and his sons teach us about the importance of preparation and dedication in serving God?

2. How can we apply the concept of obedience seen in Leviticus 8:31 to our daily walk with Christ?

3. In what ways does the priesthood of Aaron foreshadow the ultimate priesthood of Jesus Christ, as discussed in the book of Hebrews?

4. How does the communal aspect of the ordination meal relate to the New Testament teachings on fellowship and community among believers?

5. Reflecting on 1 Peter 2:9, how can we live out our calling as a "royal priesthood" in our current context?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 29
This chapter provides the detailed instructions for the ordination of Aaron and his sons, which Leviticus 8 is fulfilling. It emphasizes the importance of following God's commands precisely.

Hebrews 5
This New Testament passage discusses the role of the high priest, drawing parallels between Aaron's priesthood and the ultimate priesthood of Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 2:9
This verse speaks to the priesthood of all believers, connecting the Old Testament priestly roles to the New Testament concept of a spiritual priesthood.